A Deep Dive into the Journey of Emma Jones: The Small Business Commissioner
Emma Jones’ inspiring journey has seen her rise from a law graduate to the esteemed position of Small Business Commissioner. It’s a story that intertwines legal knowledge, entrepreneurial spirit, and an unwavering commitment to small businesses. Throughout her career, Emma has exemplified the principles of Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T).
From Law to Business: Emma’s Early Career
Emma completed her degree in Law and Japanese, demonstrating her broad academic interests and linguistic skills. She then joined Arthur Andersen, an international accounting firm, where she held roles in their London, Leeds, and Manchester offices.
At Arthur Andersen, Emma spearheaded the establishment of the firm’s Inward Investment practice. This innovative division focused on attracting overseas companies to establish their presence in the UK, showcasing Emma’s strategic insights and global business acumen.
Embracing the Dot.com Era
In 2000, intrigued by the burgeoning dot.com industry, Emma made a bold career move. She left her secure position at Arthur Andersen to start her first business, Techlocate.
After only 15 months, Emma sold Techlocate to Tenon plc. This success, achieved at just 27, sparked Emma’s interest in supporting other start-ups and SMEs, leading her to launch Enterprise Nation in 2005.
The Rise of Enterprise Nation
Enterprise Nation quickly grew into an influential small business membership community under Emma’s leadership. The platform provides digital business support to over 800,000 businesses annually, shaping the entrepreneurial landscape in the UK.
Emma’s role extended beyond the digital platform, as she became a positive campaigning voice for small businesses, engaging with government and media on behalf of Enterprise Nation’s partners and members.
Starting Up Britain
In 2011, Emma co-founded the enterprise campaign, StartUp Britain. Until 2014, she led initiatives such as mentoring programs, hosting Industry Weeks, and touring the UK with entrepreneurs and experts. Emma’s efforts significantly contributed to a surge in self-employment, underscoring her impact on the UK’s entrepreneurial environment.
Public Sector Contributions and Recognition
Emma’s expertise was further recognized when she was appointed as the SME Representative for Crown Commercial Service in July 2016. In this role, Emma worked tirelessly to facilitate increased business interactions between small businesses and the public sector.
In recognition of her significant contributions to enterprise, Emma was awarded an MBE for Services to Enterprise in June 2012. This was followed by a prestigious Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) award in 2021.
Emma Jones: The Small Business Commissioner
Emma assumed the role of the Small Business Commissioner in June 2025, bringing her wealth of experience and expertise to the position. Her journey underscores her commitment to championing small businesses, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in the business sector.
For more details on Emma’s journey and her initiatives as the Small Business Commissioner, click here.
